Nine weeks into new motherhood with her third baby, Annie Ridout was surprised when she started feeling blue. But a good pep talk with her mum and some self-care helped to keep her on track. Here’s what happened…
postnatal depression
Family
After Hannah Hardy-Jones had her first baby, she became very mentally unwell. She was diagnosed with bipolar and told her manic high would be followed by a depressive episode. Hannah opens up about her experience, and explains how this led to her creating an app for mothers…
Family
“’I’m worried if I tell you how I’m feeling then you’ll take my daughter away’ I tell my GP. She reassures me that that’s not going to happen, that I’ve done the right thing and that she’s going to get me help.” Anna Ceesay, founder of Motherdom, on anxiety and depression during pregnancy…
Family
Mother-of-four Lou Jones reflects on the early days with her firstborn, postnatal depression after her second baby and the importance of self-care. She shares some tips for new mums who may be feeling a little lost…
Family
Samantha Valentine first wrote for The Early Hour while in the grips of postnatal depression. Now, a year on, she discusses the difficult journey she’s been on towards a recovery, of sorts….
Wellbeing
Kerry Bartlett had her first child aged 21 and suffered with severe postnatal depression. To get through it, she focused on her new career as a freelance photographer. Here, she discusses her struggles and how she overcame them…
Wellbeing
Samantha Valentine was recovering well after childbirth until she started bleeding heavily. Following emergency surgery for a postpartum haemorrhage, Samantha developed PTSD and is now in the grips of postnatal depression. She talks us through her daily thoughts…
Wellbeing
Robyn Wilder left London for Kent while heavily pregnant, quit her job at Buzzfeed and found herself struggling to cope at home with a new baby. We talk mental health, having a second baby and freelancing with young kids…
Family
“It just wasn’t what I was expecting, none of it. The birth. The colicky screaming baby. The sleep deprivation. The utter sadness and overwhelming daily fear that I just couldn’t cope.” Bonnie Doman, mum-of-two, reveals the darks depths of her postnatal depression…
Work Life
From successful artist travelling the world, to living in Yorkshire with no friends or family close by, Sophie Walker tells us about new motherhood, suffering with postnatal depression and how creativity and mindfulness helped to pull her out of a dark hole…